Update 8:09 a.m. EST March 3: The death toll from the Tennessee tornadoes has increased to nine, authorities said Tuesday morning.
According to ABC News, four deaths were reported in Putnam County, as well as two each in Nashville and Wilson County, and one in Benton County.
Update 7:27 a.m. EST March 3: The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency said Tuesday morning that at least seven people have died in Nashville, Putnam County and Benton County, The Associated Press is reporting.
Previous report: At least five people have died in Nashville and Putnam County, Tennessee, after tornadoes struck early Tuesday, authorities said.
According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, two deaths occurred in East Nashville after two twisters touched down in the area. Another three deaths occurred in Putnam County, WTVF reported.
Two fatalities have been reported to the MNPD, the victims from East Nashville.
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 3, 2020
#Breaking three confirmed deaths in Putnam Co brings our total to five. Two deaths reported in East Nashville #nashvilletornado
— Rebecca Schleicher (@NC5_RSchleicher) March 3, 2020
One of the tornadoes struck near downtown Nashville and traveled to Hermitage, The Associated Press reported.
Police said at least 40 collapses have been reported in the Nashville area, according to the AP.
Nashville's Emergency Ops Center is open. MNPD & NFD leadership are working to coordinate resources in multiple parts of the city. pic.twitter.com/8Kz3JvHIG2
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) March 3, 2020
As of 4 a.m. CST, power had been knocked out to at least 44,000 customers, Nashville Electric tweeted.
NES crews are assessing damage after this morning’s tornado moved through the service area. At this hour, we can report damage to four substations, 15 primary distribution lines, and multiple power poles and lines. More than 44,000 customers are without power.
— Nashville Electric (@NESpower) March 3, 2020
Metro Nashville Public Schools will be closed Tuesday; however, Super Tuesday polling stations at schools “will be open unless otherwise noted,” officials said.
Metro Schools will be closed on Tuesday, March 3 due to the tornado damage throughout Nashville. District offices will remain open and 12 month employees should report. More information on school closures available at https://t.co/JYTaiJb2ph
— Metro Schools (@MetroSchools) March 3, 2020
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